An autoethnographic account of a pragmatic inclusionary strategy and tactics as a form of feminist activism

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the enactment of a pragmatic inclusionary strategy and related tactics as a form of feminist activism in one university.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses analytic autoethnography.

Findings

It shows how it is possible for a feminist activist to create limited change in what is typically seen as an intractable indicator of gender equality, i.e. gender parity at full professorial level.

Research limitations/implications

Analytic autoethnography as a method has considerable methodological limitations although it also offers insights into insider strategies and tactics.

Practical implications

The identification of such a strategy and tactics may be useful to activists, decision-makers and policy makers with an interest in tackling any source of inequality.

Social implications

The identification of such a strategy and tactics may be useful to activists, decision-makers and policy makers with an interest in tackling any source of inequality.

Originality/value

Five tactics, reflecting a pragmatic inclusionary strategy are identified, i.e. provocative misbehaviour; individualised managing management; perverse alignments; resisting silencing and gaining legitimacy; activating latent social movement ties to change national policy.

Citation

O’Connor, P. (2019), "An autoethnographic account of a pragmatic inclusionary strategy and tactics as a form of feminist activism", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 38 No. 8, pp. 825-840. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-12-2018-0227